Chapter 9: Chapter 9

Raven

General Dhol rose from his seat. “I’ve got a few things to take care of today. You can tag along or stay put.”

“Where are you headed?”

“First to the office, then into town. I should be back by dinner,” he replied, pulling on his shirt.

He was wearing a snug black tee that coordinated with his black pants. He picked up a few things from his dresser and tucked them into his pockets. She was still on the hunt for a ship or a radio.

She’d been here for about a month, and she hadn’t seen much of the planet or their operations. This could be a good opportunity.

“I don’t want to be here alone,” she said, fluttering her eyelashes.

He grinned and closed the gap between them. “Mind your manners.”

Something about the way he said it didn’t match his grin. It felt more like a caution than a comment. Raven was growing weary of people expecting her to behave when they didn’t.

Smiling sweetly and nodding would be the smart move, but that wasn’t happening today or maybe ever again.

“And what if I don’t?” she retorted, mirroring his smile and tone.

“If you’re coming, get a move on,” he said, heading for the door.

She muttered a curse under her breath and trailed him down to the vehicle.

***

Throughout the ride, he was engrossed in a book.

A different one from breakfast, but he was equally absorbed. The lush green forest gradually gave way to the city. The streets were bustling with people. But then again, it was a beautiful sunny day.

After another ten minutes or so, they arrived at a building that was as stunning as the others, with the same greenery, waterfalls, and sleek design.

Men in suits, armed with weapons, were coming and going from the building. There were various vehicles, but none that flew. They must have an airfield somewhere.

From her seat, she could see the same hand scan panel and codes being entered. She was so focused on surveying the building she didn’t notice that General Dhol had moved right next to her.

The hairs on her neck prickled, but she kept her gaze straight ahead, feigning casual curiosity.

“Ready,” she said, meeting his eyes.

“After you.”

She had to tread carefully. He was observing her much more closely than Arenk and Laro. General Dhol used his body to shield the buttons he pressed to enter the building. Security was tight.

If all the locations were this secure, how could she hope to break in?

What was she expecting? A big welcome mat with the keys laid out for her? A sense of dread began to simmer in her stomach. Escape seemed hopeless at this point.

The elevator felt cramped. Each breath was like sucking through a blocked straw. They continued down a hallway lined with glass offices.

The one at the end of the hall had General Dhol’s name on the door in gold letters.

Inside, his office was as orderly as his home but sparse. His desk only had a computer screen, keyboard, and mouse. There was only one frame on the wall, displaying a collection of medals.

She walked over to the window, which offered a view of the soldiers training. There were so many of them, but as usual, not a single woman was in sight.

“Where are the women?”

“Do they fight where you’re from?”

“They do whatever they want, but I haven’t met or seen one since being here. Why?”

He settled into his desk chair. “A virus swept through the population, killing off most of the elderly and females. Soon after...the remaining women started becoming infertile...or the babies were born dead.”

His voice faded, and he stared off at something unseen. He cleared his throat and began to type. She wanted to ask more questions, but she decided against it.

Raven walked around the desk to peek at his screen. He glanced at her and continued working.

“There’s nothing here that would interest you. Just paperwork and scheduling.”

“What makes you think I’m looking for information? Can’t I just be curious?”

“I can put your curiosity to work if you like,” he said, swiveling the chair toward her.

She rolled her eyes and walked back to the other side of his desk. Raven slumped in the chair and watched him work.

She was already bored. Staying at the house would have been a better choice so she could have snooped through his stuff.

“I’ll treat you to ice cream after this,” he said, noticing her slouch in her seat.

She nodded. “I need to use the restroom.”

A chance to explore would be great. What else was here?

“We’ll go in a little while. Just hang tight,” he said, not looking up.

“I can’t hold it,” she whispered.

He finally looked up and sighed. “There are only male restrooms here. If you can—”

“I’ll be quick, in and out before anyone notices. I was the fastest back on the ship,” she said, squeezing her thighs together.

He reached under his desk and pulled out a trash can. “Here. I’ll clean it later.”

Her mouth fell open. “I can’t go in front of you.”

“I’ve already seen it up close and personal. No need to be shy unless you’re lying about needing to pee at all.”

“It’s not pee,” she said.

His expression turned wide-eyed, but he recovered quickly. General Dhol smiled and pushed the trash can toward her.

“I won’t think any less of you.”

~Damn.~ He had her cornered. She could make up something, but there was no way in hell she would shit in a can in front of him.

“You’re an ass—”

“Watch it.” He looked up from his screen. “Either you can wait until I’m done or do your business in this. Your call.”

She slumped back in the chair and crossed her arms. General Dhol typed away for another thirty minutes before he shut down his station. They headed back toward the elevator, but he stopped by another door.

He used the hand scanner to unlock it and held the door open. Once inside, she realized it was the restroom.

“I don’t need to go anymore,” she said.

“You will try and go anyway.”

She strolled past him, reaching for the door handle. He leaned against the door, nudging it shut. They locked eyes for a moment, and she was reminded of her first night with Arenk and Laro.

This was likely to end the same way. A shiver of anticipation shot straight to her core, and she let go of the handle.

“I’ll hang back unless you need a hand,” he offered.

“I don’t,” she replied, closing the stall door behind her.

After a few minutes of maneuvering, she managed to get things done. The sinks were a bit high, but luckily, there was a step stool left out for her.

She hopped up, using her stomach to balance herself as she reached for the soap. ~Curse these short arms.~ A sudden twinge of pain tugged at her shoulder blade, and she slid back down.

“Gener—”

He was already there, an eyebrow raised in question.

“Uh, Dhol, could you give me a lift?”

Dhol bent down and wrapped his arm around her waist. His warm hand gripped her hip tightly. As she washed her hands, her backside pressed against his firm body.

He sucked in a sharp breath, not quite silently. She looked up at him in the mirror. His eyes were alight.

His intense gaze made her squirm, and she could feel him harden beneath her. His free hand slipped under her skirt, and her mouth went dry. The sound of the running water seemed to fill the room.

Dhol’s fingers explored until they found her slick folds. They held each other’s gaze.

The door swung open.